Pharmacists play a key role in supporting patients to keep well. Look after your patient’s health this autumn/ winter with key Insights from the United Drug Insights team.

The United Drug Insights team analysed products in the gut health and immune support categories.

The Gut Health category grew 16.2% from 2022 to 2023.

One particular product for gut health is the dominant brand in this category, accounting for almost half the sales.

Interestingly, Children’s Gut Health overtook the general trend, growing 22.5% year-on-year.

The Immune Support category saw overall growth of 4.8% from 2022 to 2023, with Vitamin D products making up most of this category in 2022 but saw a decline in 2023.

Last year, the back-to-school promotions caused August and September to far outdo all other months' sales.

Pharmacists can leverage evidence-based approaches to guide patients in making informed decisions about their health. By recommending specific products such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fibre supplements, as well as advising on dietary and lifestyle changes, pharmacists can play a pivotal role in helping patients maintain a healthy gut, which is crucial for overall well-being.

Educate on Gut Health Importance: Pharmacists should educate patients on the role that gut health may have in overall immunity and wellness, potentially suggesting probiotics or other gut health supplements as part of a daily routine, particularly during the colder months.

1. Probiotics

• What They Are: Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as "good" bacteria, which can provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
• Evidence:
• Digestive Health: Multiple studies have shown that probiotics may help manage and prevent gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea (including antibiotic-associated diarrhoea), and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Immunity: Probiotics have been found to support the immune function by modulating the gut microbiota, which plays a critical role in the immune system. They may help reduce the duration and severity of respiratory infections and may have a preventive role.

2. Prebiotics

• What They Are: Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, typically fibres, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• Evidence:
• Gut Microbiota Support: Prebiotics such as inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and galactooligosaccharides (GOS) have been shown to selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which are associated with improved gut health.
• Digestive Regularity: Prebiotics can improve bowel regularity and reduce symptoms of constipation by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support bowel movements.

3. Dietary Fibre

• What It Is: Dietary fibre is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Evidence:
• Gut Microbiome Health: High-fibre diets are associated with a more diverse gut microbiome, which may be linked to better overall health. Fiber acts as a food source for gut bacteria, promoting the production of SCFAs that have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
• Digestive Health: Fiber helps to maintain bowel regularity, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of diverticular disease. Soluble fibre can help manage symptoms of IBS by normalizing bowel movements.

4. Fermented Foods

• What They Are: Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, contain live bacteria that can benefit gut health.
• Evidence:
• Microbiota Enhancement: Some evidence has shown that regular consumption of fermented foods increases the diversity of gut microbiota, which is associated with better gut health and reduced inflammation.
• Digestive Benefits: Fermented foods may aid in digestion, improve lactose digestion, and reduce symptoms of IBS. The live bacteria in these foods can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

5. Synbiotics

• What They Are: Synbiotics are combinations of probiotics and prebiotics that work together to enhance the survival and colonization of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• Evidence:
• Gut Health Improvement: Synbiotics have shown some potential in improving gut health by not only introducing beneficial bacteria but also providing them with the necessary nutrients to thrive. Clinical studies suggest that synbiotics can be more effective than probiotics or prebiotics alone in improving digestive health and restoring gut microbiota balance.

6. Lifestyle and Diet

• Healthy Eating Habits: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports gut health. Reducing processed foods and added sugars, which can negatively impact gut bacteria, is also recommended.
• Regular Physical Activity: Exercise has been shown to positively affect the gut microbiome by increasing the diversity of gut bacteria, which is associated with better gut health.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health by altering gut motility and increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and other stress management practices can help mitigate these effects.